Book Review: Fundamentals of Managing Reference Collections

Abstract

Fundamentals of Managing Collections. By Carol A. Singer. Chicago: ALA, 2012. 167 p. $60 paperback (ISBN: 978-0-8389-1153-2). ALA Fundamentals Series. This book is part of the ALA Fundamentals Series and may serve as a targeted supplement to more general collection development works. Since most libraries still have print reference collections and librarians are struggling to integrate electronic titles with existing print collections, the topics covered in this guide will be relevant to many practitioners. Singer herself says that the reference stacks are full of useful resources, but admits to rarely consulting them. She then posits that a leaner print collection might gain more use, Her information on maintaining reference collections covers not only strategies for taming the physical reference collection, but 'also suggestions for incorporating virtual materials into that reference collection and the additional challenges of managing electronic resources. Singer divides her work into nine chapters: Reference Fundamentals; Reference Development Policies; Staffing Models for Management; Selecting Materials; Acquisitions, Budgets, and Licenses; Collection Maintenance; Weeding the Collection; Reference Development and Consortia; Discovery and Access; and a Collection Development Policy Template in an appendix. Singer begins with some definitions of reference works and continues her discussion with the electronic aspect of reference collections. She then describes the relationship between print and electronic materials, and compares these two types of resources. Singer also considers how to define boundaries for both print and electronic collections. In the next chapter, Singer provides a rationale for a separate reference collection development policy, as well as a very thorough discussion of each of the desirable components of such a policy. The chapter on staffing applies only to larger libraries but clearly delineates centralized and decentralized models for managing reference collections. Singer also provides lists of advantages and disadvantages for both models. The next topic is selection. Singer discusses some of the tools available to assist with selection and general criteria for choosing resources. She follows this introduction with specific selection criteria for different types of reference materials: online, aggregated reference book databases, freely available Internet resources, print monographs, and print serials. In the following chapter, Singer provides a broad overview of the acquisitions process, including approval plans. With the exception of a reference to typing paper order forms, the workflows Singer outlines are fairly standard. She continues with a general discussion of various models for reference collection budgets. Singer then briefly covers some of the major components of licenses. In the next chapter, the focus is on collection maintenance. Singer discusses potential worldlows when new electronic resources are added (testing, branding, cataloging, etc. …